Greenfield High School graduates remind each other to value life

A little graduate sits among the Greenfield High School class of 2014 during their ceremonies on Saturday at Greenfield Community College.Recorder/Micky Bedell Purchase photo reprints »

Salutatorian Connor Eckstrom speaks to Greenfield High School's class of 2014 on Saturday during the graduation ceremonies. Erkstrom urged his classmates to be generous with their love in years to come and be "more like Meaghan", a lost friend and fellow GHS student.Recorder/Micky Bedell Purchase photo reprints »

GREENFIELD — Greenfield High School graduates urged their peers Saturday to appreciate every day and remember always to enjoy life with others.

“Life is not about being number one. ... It’s not about making loads of money, and it’s not about showing off your belongings,” said valedictorian Eleni Diakolambrianos to a class of 91 students. “Life is about actual living ... jumping out of your comfort zone, being wild, crazy and free.”

The Class of 2014, with half of its graduates taking advanced placement college-level courses, has helped the high school reach a healthy and vibrant state, said Superintendent Susan Hollins.

It was not without trying times. Salutatorian Connor Eckstrom reminded his peers that next week marks the two-year anniversary of losing their classmate Meaghan Horan. The 15-year-old died in her home with a few weeks left in the 2011-2012 school year.

“Her tender words, her loving hugs and the memories of beautiful smiles shared with her helped nearly every one of us to make it here today,” said Eckstrom.

Class President Samuel Guiod told his classmates to not lose sight of the things that are truly important. He described how he recently helped a deaf woman in a coffee shop, by interpreting her sign language to the service employee. They sat together for a while having a conversation through sign language.

“It made me think about how trivial our problems are,” he said. “In this world of exaggeration and helplessness, we’re beginning to let these tiny problems overwhelm us. ... Try living every second of (your) lives to the extent that they were designed to.”

Hollins, who will retire as superintendent at the end of this month, thanked High School Principal Donna Woodcock for assuming leadership of the school after the 2008 financial crisis and School Choice exodus.

“I remember when people didn’t think there would be a Greenfield High School,” said Hollins. “She has worked with me for six years to keep this high school growing and getting better.”

The superintendent also thanked longtime employee and volunteer Betty Nee for organizing what Hollins called a “world record” 63rd straight graduation ceremony. The crowd gave her a standing ovation.